Welcome Speach

It is our honor to address you today from the heart of resilience and unwavering determination—to share with you what we have accomplished despite the most difficult circumstances that the Gaza Strip has endured.

We have faced a devastating war that left destruction and pain in its wake. Yet, it never broke our spirit nor shook our belief in our academic and humanitarian mission. This war posed an unprecedented challenge: our main campus was completely destroyed, and we lost a number of our dear colleagues and students—foremost among them, our beloved Dr. Said Anwar Al-Zubda, President of the University College of Applied Sciences.

Our losses were profound, but our resolve remained unshaken. Our belief that knowledge and light are stronger than darkness and destruction has continued to guide our path. Without waiting for the dust to settle, our academic and administrative teams immediately took action—not only to rebuild structures but to restore hope and reshape the future for our students and our people.

Amidst the rubble, we resumed education and reactivated our academic programs, using every means available. We are driven by our conviction that Gaza deserves more, our students deserve more, and only through dedication and hard work can we shape a better future.

These words are written with a blend of sorrow for those we lost, pride in those who endured, and determination to move forward. The University College of Applied Sciences will remain, as you have always known it, a beacon of knowledge and excellence, a leader in innovation. It will rise again—stronger than ever—because we carry a message of life in the face of death, and we are committed to building an honorable future despite every challenge.

Together, with the efforts of all those who are devoted and sincere, we will rebuild this nurturing space for creativity and continue our journey of giving—because we are here to stay, and because Gaza will rise again through the strength and brilliance of its people.